11.03.2015

Another tree fatality

A man has died after falling from a platform, while trimming trees in Alexander, just south of Little Rock in Arkansas, USA – he was not wearing a harness.

The man, Shelby Jackson, 46, was working from a bucket truck as part of a crew working for Capital City Tree Services. Police reports say that a tree limb had been attached to the boom so that it could be lowered to the ground, but it dropped further than expected causing a whiplash effect within the boom, which catapulted Jackson out of the platform, falling around 11 metres to the ground. He was declared dead at the scene.

Vertikal Comment

The number of arborist fatalities while using boom lifts already this year is alarming, and almost invariably it has been due to poor work practice and a lack of a harness and short lanyard. If there was ever an application that absolutely demanded a harness it is when cutting or trimming trees.

US tree or arborist associations/groups really do need to address the proper training of staff using aerial work platforms. They are substantially safer than climbing, as well as allowing slightly less fit and more experienced staff to continue working at height, BUT like all equipment they need to be treated with respect and basic training is essential.